'Banksyland' is coming to town. But the artist says it's 'not consensual'

"Banksyland," a display of images of artwork by the famously anonymous British artist called Banksy, will appear May 5-7 in an empty storefront at The Banks, 140 Marian Spencer Way.

The artist wants you to know he has nothing to do with it.

At least two other firms have created traveling Banksy shows that appeared in New York and dozens of other cities. When the first shows appeared, Banksy's website posted this message: "Members of the public should be aware there has been a recent spate of Banksy exhibitions none of which are consensual. They‘ve been organised entirely without the artist's knowledge or involvement. Please treat them accordingly."

The site includes a page headlined "PRODUCT RECALL: The Art of Banksy, (referring to an international touring show) with the subheadline "FAKE" over a collection of posters advertising the event.

Banksy gained fame as a graffiti artist and adheres to an anti-capitalist philosophy. He sells original works out of his workshop, but he does not copyright his public graffiti and street art. Amanda Waltz, writing in Pittsburgh City Paper, summarized the price he pays for rejecting customary legal protections for his work. "Profiteers have pounced on these now-popular images, slapping them on everything from throw pillows to framed T.J. Maxx art with little to no recourse."

A Thousand and One, the company running the Banksyland tour, did not respond to requests for information.

The website describes the exhibit as comprising "salvaged original streetwork, handmade studio editions and immersive installations." It also will sell related merchandise.

The company initially announced the show would take place somewhere in Over-the-Rhine, but declared the show would sell out. Tickets are sold by time slots, with 15 choices per day. Admission is $23.43 for students, $30.89 general admission, and $62.84 for a "VIP experience," including all-day access and a souvenir poster.

The name of this show, "Banksyland," seems intended to invoke one of Banksy's best-known endeavors, "Dismaland." He and a group of like-minded artists created a small "bemusement park" in a rundown seaside spot. Dubbed a "family theme park unsuitable for children," it was open for five weeks in 2015 and drew 150,000 visitors. Translated to U.S. dollars, tickets cost about $4.50.